15 Family Friendly Things To Do At 2019 Wisconsin State Fair

WEST ALLIS, WI — The 2019 Wisconsin State Fair is just around the corner, and this year’s lineup of entertainment at the fair features something the whole family.

From strolling street entertainers and 30 stages of music to diving dogs and racing pigs, the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair, Thursday, Aug. 1 through Sunday, Aug. 11, is filled with entertainment.

1. The Activity Stage

Located in the Exposition Center, the family-friendly Activity Stage features the WSMA Youth Showcase, Brew City Wrestling, AAU National Judo Championship, Bench Press Competition, amateur dance groups and more. Visit Wistatefair.com for a full schedule.

2. Daily Parades

Fairgoers can check out the Daily Parade that kicks off at 2 p.m. daily, where they’ll see the Fairest of the Fairs, their favorite street entertainers, mascots, tractors, marching bands and much more. Visit any Fair Information Center for a map of the parade route.

3. Junior Talent Competition

Families won’t want to miss the 6th-annual Junior Amateur Talent Competition on Sunday, August 11 at noon at the Associated Bank Amphitheater. Participants from throughout the state need to pre-qualify to compete at State Fair in either the Youth or Teen division. A grand total of $14,500 in prize money is on the line. Visit Wistatefair.com for more details.

4. K9 Sports Arena

The dog days of summer are coming back to the Fair. The K-9 Sports Arena, located in the Big Backyard, features shows and demonstrations hourly on the half-hour on weekdays with additional shows on weekends. Fairgoers will see dog dock diving, Frisbee, agility courses, Police K-9 units and much more.

5. Racing Pigs

Families can pick their favorite pig and get ready to cheer. Saz’s Racing Pigs presented by the Milwaukee Admirals is held in the Racing Animals Arena, located on Second Street and Badger Avenue and features races seven times daily at 10:30 a.m., 12:30, 1:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

6. Sea Lion Splash

Sea Lion Splash, located on South Grandstand Avenue will be both entertaining and educational with shows aimed at teaching valuable lessons about marine wildlife and conservation. The sea lions will entertain as they balance balls, shoot hoops and even perform handstands. This is the only traveling sea lion show in the U.S. and each 30-minute show will educate the audience while also bringing out the natural comedic nature of these amazing animals. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. with four shows taking place daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30, 3:30, and 6:30 p.m.

7. Activity Zone

The Kohl’s Activity Zone is back by popular demand with enjoyable and interactive activity tailored for families. Kohl’s Activity Zone is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Fairgoers can find it on South Grandstand Avenue across from Sea Lion Splash and let their creative juices run wild.

8. Strolling Street Entertainers

As fairgoers stroll through the Fair Park, they are encouraged to keep an eye out for exciting and unique Strolling Street Entertainers. Each performer has a different show, and will change throughout the Fair! Watch for performances by Alex Clark, Scott’s Crazy Comedy Magic, Steve Trash, Brant The FireGuy, Allez-OOPS! Sam The Wheeler, Fantastick Patrick, and The Strolling Piano.

9. Family Variety Stage

The whole family will find a variety of entertainment on Wetley Way in the Big Backyard at the Wilderness Resort Family Variety Stage. The stage features jugglers, comics and more, including Kenny Ahern–Physical Comic, The DolliPops– Musical Fun, Sean Emery–Comic Juggler, Jared Sherlock–Comic Magician & Illusionist, and Nick’s Kids Show–Musical Fun. For show dates and times, visit Wistatefair.com.

10: Air Conditioning!

Families can stop in and rest at the fun, free and air-conditioned Wisconsin Products Pavilion Stage. All are welcome to sit back relax, and listen to the local commodity producers and business owners explain how they make their products so amazing.

11. Exploratory Park

Exploratory Park is full of areas to explore in every direction. The Department of Natural Resources is back and bigger than ever with a focus on clear water in Exploratory Park’s north building. Plus, a celebration for Smokey the Bear’s 75th birthday with a visit to Smokey’s Schoolhouse. In the south building visitors can check out historical milestones in the State
Fair History Display. Other featured areas include the cactus and succulent garden, the Master Gardeners display garden, and Japanese-inspired gardens.

12. We Energies Park

Visit We Energies Energy Park to learn about electric and gas safety with our interactive games and exhibits. Parents and guardians can get an identification wristband to keep their child safe at the fair. Enjoy cooking and gardening presentations, see birds of prey up close and participate in a game show or solar car race. Energy Park is located on the west side of the Fair on Wetley Way at Center Street. Parents can also pick up a We Energies Safety Wristband.

13. Take Tech Challenges at the Wireless Warriors Arena

Fairgoers should stop by U.S. Cellular Wireless Warriors Arena to become a Fair Warrior. Join U.S. Cellular to take on exciting tech challenges and games, compete with friends and family, and achieve Wireless Warrior status.

14. Kidz Bop World Tour 2019

Located at the U.S. Cellular Terrace in front of the Exposition Center. KIDZ BOP World Tour 2019brings the family event of the summer to the Main Stage on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. Featuring kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids, KIDZ BOP is the No. 1 music brand for kids, selling more than 16 million albums worldwide since 2001. Each album is comprised of popular songs which are altered to be appropriate for kids of all ages. To date, there have been 37 KIDZ BOP compilations, 24 of which went on to become top 10 albums. Following the brand’s success, KIDZ BOP embarked on several world tours, including last year’s run which left its mark on more than 50 cities. The concert experience, and the music, continues to be a favorite for millions of families around the globe. All seating for this show is reserved and tickets are $29 and $19.

15. Eat!

Many of State Fair’s vendors offer free live entertainment daily. These vendors feature not only delicious fair food, but also a regular schedule of live music and entertainment from local and regional artists. Check out the full lineups here.